Stretchable, variable volume carrying case and methods for transporting items

ABSTRACT

A universal carrying case for electronic devices and other items having varying dimensions. Methods of transporting items in the cases are also disclosed.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates generally to carrying cases for consumer goods, and more specifically to travel sleeves that can accommodate varying sizes of items such as electronic devices.

A variety of carrying cases and travel bags are known for use by persons traveling from one destination to another. Such cases and bags may generally be categorized as general purpose or specific purpose bags. A general purpose bag may be, for example, a common suitcase or luggage item having a general use compartment that may simultaneously contain a variety of different personal items of a traveler, including clothing items, footwear, toiletries, books, etc. In contrast, a specific purpose bag may be designed primarily for use only with a particular item or items. An example of a specific purpose bag may be, for example, a carrying case that is specially designed and adapted to accommodate a specific item such as, for example, an electronic device.

Due to recent technological advances, the use of portable, hand-held electronic devices is skyrocketing. Laptop and notebook computers, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, cellular phones, and personal music and entertainment devices are but a few examples of popular devices that millions of people now use. Many people routinely carry more than one of such electronic devices while traveling.

Various types of carrying cases are available for transporting electronic devices from place to place, and also for storing the devices during periods of non-use. Such carrying cases typically surround a device and provide some degree of protection from occasional bumps and impact when carrying the devices, and from bumps and impact incurred in loading and unloading the cases from automobiles or aircraft, for instance. Known carrying cases for electronic devices, however, are disadvantaged and improvements are desired. Other specific purpose bags for other devices also are prone to certain problems and improvements are also desired.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In an exemplary embodiment, a carrying case for an electronic device is provided. The case comprises a body defining a compartment to receive the electronic device, wherein the body is fabricated from an elastic material that may be stretched around the electronic device to snugly contain the electronic device.

Optionally, the body may be fabricated from multiple and different elastic materials. The body may comprise spaced apart front and rear panels, with one of the front and rear panels being formed with a ventilation opening. At least a portion of one of the front and rear panels may comprise a mesh material having a plurality of ventilation openings. The body may comprise a protective sleeve for a laptop computer.

In another embodiment, a carrying case for a portable electronic device is provided. The case comprises a body defining a compartment of variable volume to receive the electronic device, wherein the volume of the compartment is self conforming to the volume required by the electronic device.

Optionally, the body may comprise spaced apart front and rear panels, with at least one of the front and rear panels being elastic in a first direction parallel to a first axis of the electronic device. At least one of the front and rear panels may be elastic in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction. One of the front and rear panels may be formed with a ventilation opening, and at least a portion of one of the front and rear panels may comprise a mesh material defining a plurality of ventilation openings. The body may comprise a protective sleeve for a laptop computer.

In another embodiment, a carrying case for a portable electronic device is provided. The case comprises an elastic body comprising a first panel and a second panel spaced from one another, the body having a first axis and a first dimension corresponding to the first axis, and the body having a second axis and a second dimension corresponding to the second axis. The body is stretchable over an electronic device having dimensions larger than the first dimension and the second dimension.

Optionally, the first and second panel are fabricated from an elastic fabric material. One of the front and rear panels may include a ventilation opening. At least a portion of one of the first and second materials may comprise a mesh material, and the mesh material may define a plurality of ventilation openings. At least one of the panels may comprise a first material and a second material, with the first material defining a central opening and the second material occupying the opening. The body may comprise a protective sleeve for a laptop computer.

In another embodiment, a carrying case is provided. The case comprises: an elastic body configured to stretch around and conform to an external surface of an item; wherein the body comprises an elastic material and a mesh material defining ventilation openings; and wherein the body entirely surrounds a portion of the item.

Optionally, the body includes a shock absorbent padding. The body may comprise a base material, the base material defining a cutout region, the mesh material extending across the cutout region. The item may comprise an electronic device. Alternatively, the item may comprise a beverage container. The body may be fabricated from multiple and different elastic materials.

A method of transporting an item having an external size is also disclosed. The method comprises: providing an elastic travel sleeve defining a compartment having an initial size smaller than the external size, the sleeve including at least one ventilation opening; stretching the travel sleeve over the item, thereby conforming the sleeve to the external surface dimensions of the item; and transporting the item within the sleeve.

Optionally, the product may comprise an electronic device. The sleeve may be provided with shock absorbent padding. The sleeve may comprise a mesh material, with the mesh material defining the ventilation opening. The method may include securing the sleeve over the item. The method may also include removing the sleeve from the item, allowing the elastic sleeve to return to the initial size.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary universal carrying case for a first type of electronic device.

FIG. 2 is a front elevational view of the case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a rear elevational view of the of the case shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the case when expanded around an electronic device.

FIG. 5 a illustrates in perspective view a second embodiment of an exemplary universal carrying case for a second type of electronic device; wherein FIG. 5 a illustrates the electronic device, FIG. 5 b illustrates the electronic device within the carrying case with the case closed, and FIG. 5 c illustrates the device within the carrying case with the case opened.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a third embodiment of a universal carrying case for a third type of electronic device; wherein FIG. 6 a illustrates the electronic device and FIG. 6 b illustrates the device within the carrying case with the case closed.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a fourth embodiment of a universal carrying case for items of varying dimension.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart of a method for transporting items with the carries of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of specific purpose carrying cases for portable electronic devices and other items are disclosed herein that overcome numerous problems and disadvantages of conventional carrying cases for such devices and items. In order to understand the invention to its fullest extent, the following disclosure will be segmented into different parts, wherein Part I discusses problems and disadvantages common to conventional carrying cases for electronic devices and other items; and Part II discloses exemplary embodiments of carrying cases of the present the invention that overcome the problems and difficulties disclosed in Part I.

I. Introduction to the Invention

Specific purpose carrying cases for various items are known and are in widespread use. A notable example of specific purpose carrying cases include protective travel cases for electronic devices.

Carrying cases for portable electronic devices such as laptop and notebook computers, personal digital assistant (PDA) devices, digital cameras, cellular phones, and personal music and entertainment devices such as video game systems, compact disc players, digital video disk (DVD) players, and personal music systems, are known. The cases define a storage compartment that generally surrounds an electronic device, and the cases may provide for storage of power cords, batteries, and accessories that are usable with the device. Such cases provide convenient storage for electronic items during periods of non-use, as well as a convenient travel bag for electronic items and accessories. The cases often include padding and the like to isolate the electronic device from mechanical shock and impact while the case is being carried, therefore providing some degree of protection from impact forces that may otherwise damage the device as it is carried in the case from place to place, loaded to and from vehicles and aircraft, and when being picked up and set down by a user.

Conventionally, carrying cases for portable electronic devices are typically custom designed for devices having a particular size. That is, carrying cases are typically sized and dimensioned to fit a specific type, style of model of electronic device. The cases are typically sold separately from the electronic devices with which they are to be used. Obtaining the appropriate carrying case for an electronic device can be inconvenient, expensive, and burdensome. It can be difficult to find a case that properly fits certain electronic devices.

Additionally, many users of portable electronic devices own and/or use a given electronic device for a relatively short period of time. As technology progress for portable electronic devices, existing devices can quickly become outdated and undesirable. Consequently, they are routinely replaced by other, newer electronic items. Because the physical dimensions of the electronic devices are subject to change, the odds of purchasing a new device that will properly fit into a conventional carrying case for an older device are low.

Conventional carrying cases for electronic devices are typically fabricated from semi-rigid materials to provide structural strength for carrying of the case and to protect an electronic device against occasional bumps and impact that may occur, for example, when loading the case to and from an automobile or aircraft. The rigidity of known cases is a practical constraint on their ability to accommodate electronic devices having dimensions different from the device for which the case was designed. Smaller devices will not fit snugly in the case and may consequently be more prone to breakage, while larger devices will not fit into the case at all. As one example, laptop and notebook computers vary considerably in their exterior dimensions and weight, both for new computers and existing computers, rendering certain computers incompatible with certain carrying cases, and vice versa. Consequently, many known carrying cases tend to become obsolete along with their associated electronic devices, and often may be simply discarded.

Aside from the issues noted above, conventional carrying cases are disadvantaged from a thermal perspective. Many electronic devices, including but not limited to laptop or notebook computers, for example, become warm to the touch in use, and in prolonged use may generate much heat. When used just before being placed into a carrying case, as they typically are, laptop and notebook computers, as well as other devices, are typically warm at the time they are packed into the carrying case. Conventional bags, however, are not designed to dissipate this heat, and instead trap the heat within the case. This is undesirable and may in part cause the electronic device to overheat, potentially causing reliability and performance issues for the device.

While the aforementioned problems and difficulties are described in the context of carrying cases for portable electronic devices, such problems and difficulties are not necessarily unique to portable electronic devices Similar problems exist in transporting other items, whether electronic or otherwise, and whether portable or non-portable, from place to place.

II. Exemplary Embodiments of Inventive Carrying Cases

Embodiments of protective carrying cases for electronic devices and other items are disclosed herein that may be more universally used amongst electronic devices and items having different external dimensions, and that also may dissipate heat more effectively than known carrying cases. As such, and unlike conventional carrying cases for electronic devices, for example, the carrying cases of the invention may capably accommodate electronic devices having different external dimensions and physical size. In one example, embodiments of a carrying case for laptop or notebook computers are provided that accommodate a range of sizes of computers that may vary up to three inches in external dimension, for example, from one another. The carrying cases are stretchable and generally self-conforming to various sizes of electronic devices, and also allow the electronic device to breathe and dissipate heat in the manner described below. Embodiments of carrying cases are also disclosed for other types of electronic devices, as well as other items that are not electronic.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary carrying case 100 for an electronic device 102. In one embodiment the case 100 is provided in the form of a generally flexible and elastic protective pouch or sleeve that is dimensioned to receive an electronic device such as a laptop computer or another portable electronic device.

The carrying case 100 may include a generally rectangular body having a front or first panel 104, a rear or second panel 106 spaced from the first panel 104, side panels 108 and 110 that interconnect the front and rear panels 104 and 106 at opposing edges thereof, and a bottom panel 112 that connects lower edges of the front and rear panels 104 and 106. One end or edge of the case 100 defines an opening or compartment 114 through which the electronic device 102 may be inserted. A closure strap or tether 116 may be provided over a portion of the opening 114 and may extend between the front and rear panels 104 and 106. A first end of the strap 116 may be stitched or sewn, for example, to the rear panel 106, and the second end of the strap 116 and the front panel 104 may be provided for example, with hook and loop fasteners to removably secure the strap 116 across the opening 114 when the electronic item 102 is packed therein.

The case 100 may be fabricated in whole or in part from elastic materials that allow the case 100 to stretch around and conform to the electronic device 100. As used herein, an elastic material shall refer to a material that is generally deformable under load and that returns to its original shape when the load is removed. That is, an elastic material possesses the capability to stretch, expand, or deform to endure large mechanical strains when stressed, without permanent deformation of the material.

As shown in FIG. 1, the case 100 is shown in an initial, relaxed or unexpanded condition wherein the case 100 has a width dimension W_(C), a height dimension H_(C), and a depth dimension D_(C) measured along mutually perpendicular axes of the case 100. The width dimension W_(C) and the height dimension H_(C) correspond to the width and height of the front and rear panels 104 and 106, while the depth dimension D_(C) corresponds to the depth dimension of the side and bottom panels 108, 110 and 112. As shown in FIG. 1, the side panels 108 and 110 extend less for the entire distance H_(C) and the bottom panel extends for less than the entire distance W_(C) such that the case 100 is open at its corners.

In one embodiment, the panels used to form the case 100 are thin walled and are generally flexible so that, for example, the case 100 may be folded flat when not in use. Notably, however, because of the elastic materials used to fabricate the panels of the case 100, the case 100 is elastic, expandable, or stretchable in the width dimension W_(C), in the height dimension H_(C), and in the depth dimension D_(C). In contrast to conventional carrying cases, none of the width, height, or depth dimensioned are constrained by rigid or semi-rigid materials that prevent expansion of the bag beyond the dimensions W_(C), H_(C), and D_(C). Accordingly, via the elasticity of the panels in the case 100, the internal volume of the compartment 114 is expandable in a self conforming manner to match the volume required by the device 102.

The electronic device 102 may include a generally rigid, and in the illustrated example, a generally rectangular housing 120 that contains and protects sensitive electronic components that enable the functionality of the device 102. The housing 120 may include a front surface 122, a rear surface 124 opposing the front surface, front and rear edges 126, 128, and left and right side edges 130, 132. The device 102 may include first and second portions coupled to one another by hinges 134, 136 at the rear edge 128, for example. While the device 102 is illustrated in a compact collapsed position wherein the two portions of the device 102 meet at a parting line 138, the device 102 may be unfolded about the hinges 134, 136 to an operating position wherein a user is presented with, for example, a display, input selectors such as a keyboard or cursor control, touch sensitive keypads, and other input means known in the art for use and control of the device 102. The device 102 may also include one or more speakers or audio devices, a microphone, and various signal ports and connecting ports to facilitate communication between the device 102 and other electronic devices and accessories. The device 102 may also include one or more batteries which may be rechargeable, a processor, and memory storage for use by the device.

In various embodiments, the device 102 may be a laptop or notebook computer, on another type of electronic device such as, for example only, a personal digital assistant (PDA) device, a digital camera, a cellular phone, and a personal entertainment device such as a video game system, a compact disc player, a digital video disk (DVD) player, and a personal music systems such as an MP3 player. Other hand-held and portable electronic devices are also known that may benefit from the carrying case of the invention, including, for example, video cameras, calculators, sound systems such as satellite radio modules and the like that are removable from a vehicle, weather stations and radios, fish finders, global positioning systems, mapping and travel aid devices, travel clocks and travel alarms, calculators, digital photo frames and displays, electronic books, toys, and tools having processor-based functionality and electronic features. The foregoing examples of electronic devices are provided for purposes of illustration rather than limitation, and all such devices and other devices may benefit from the case 100. While FIG. 1 illustrates a generally rectangular case 100 for a generally rectangular electronic device 102, it is appreciated that a non-rectangular case may alternatively be used to accommodate a differently shaped electronic device in another embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 1, the electronic device 102 has a width dimension W_(e), a height dimension H_(e), and a depth dimension D_(e). The dimensions W_(e), H_(e), and D_(e) are mutually perpendicular to one another and correspond to the lateral, longitudinal and transverse axes of the physical device 102. Notably, the width dimension W_(e) of the device 102 is greater than the corresponding dimension W_(C) of the case 100 in its relaxed or non-expanded state, and the depth dimension D_(e) of the device 102 is greater than the corresponding depth dimension D_(C) of the case 100 in the relaxed and non-expanded state. Alternatively stated, the initial dimensions of the case 100 are smaller than the dimensions of the electronic device 102. Because of the elasticity of the panels in the case 100, however, the opening 114 of the case 100 is expandable to accommodate the external dimensions of the device 100 when the device 102 is inserted into the opening 114.

The elasticity of one or more of the panels of the case 100 may stretch around and generally conform to the housing 120 of the electronic device 102. In other words, the case 100 will expand in the width and depth dimensions to and assume the external shape and dimension of the electronic device 102 as the device 102 is inserted into the case 100 through the opening 114. The opening 114, by virtue of the elastic panels, is sometimes referred to as a variable volume opening or compartment that may expand and contract to varying degrees dependent upon the dimensions of the device 102 received within the compartment 114. The height dimension H_(e) of the device 102 may also be greater than the height dimension H_(C) of the case 100, and the case 100 may stretch in the height dimension, in addition to the width and depth dimensions. Because of the elasticity of the panels in the case 100, the case 100 may receive devices 102 that vary in one or more of the width, depth and height dimensions by several inches.

In one example, the case 100 may accommodate a range of laptop or notebook computers from so-called 12 inch to 15 inch models having displays of corresponding size. In another embodiment the case 100 may accommodate a range of laptop or notebook computers from so-called 15 inch to 17 inch models having displays of corresponding size. The ability of the case 100 to expand to fit 12-15 inch computers or 15-17 inch computers, for example, is dependent upon the original dimensions of the case 100 in the relaxed or unexpanded state, and the particular materials or fabrics used to form the panels of the case 100. Depending on the particular materials used, the elasticity of the panels of the case 100 may possess varying degrees of elasticity before stresses induced in the materials reach their yield strength wherein permanent deformation of the panels will occur.

Not only may the case 100 fit a range of notebook computers from 12 inch models to 17 inch models, but the case 100 may accommodate varying dimensions of laptop or notebook computers having a particular size display. That is, the external dimensions W_(e), H_(e), and D_(e) of a particular 12 inch notebook computer, for example, of one manufacturer may vary from another 12 inch notebook computer of another manufacturer. Also, the external dimensions W_(e), H_(e), and D_(e) of one model of a 12 inch notebook computer, for example, may vary from the dimensions W_(e), H_(e), and D_(e) of another model of the same manufacturer. Despite such dimensional differences, however, the case 100 may be more or less universally used with a large number of notebook computers that conventionally would require multiple and different carrying cases for computers of different sizes.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the front panel 104 and the rear panel 106 and additional aspects of the invention. The front and rear panels 104 and 106 in one embodiment are substantially identical, mirror image panels to one another in the illustrated embodiment, although it is appreciated that in other embodiments the panels 104 and 106 could be different from one another if desired.

Each panel 104 and 106 may be fabricated from a base layer 150 of material or fabric having elastic or stretchable properties that may expand and contract around the electronic device 102 (FIG. 1) of a certain size. The base layer 150 may define a generally rectangular frame of material having an open interior section or cutout region 151. A variety of elastic fabrics and cloths are known that are formed as a result of networking of natural or synthetic fibers (thread or yarn) formed by weaving or knitting, for example, and may be utilized as the base layer 151. Non-woven fabrics and laminated fabrics are also available and may be used as the base layer 151. Also, non-fabric materials that exhibit elastic behavior, including but not limited to foam and rubber materials, are also known and may be used in other embodiments if desired.

The side and bottom panels 108, 110, and 112 (FIG. 1) may also be fabricated from any of the materials noted above so that elasticity is exhibited in the depth dimensions between the front and rear panels 104 and 106.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3, the front and rear panels 104 and 106 spaced apart, C-shaped portions of shock-absorbent material 152 such as foam padding and the like is attached to opposing edges of the base layer 150 with stitching or sewing, for example, to form a mechanical buffer layer or mechanical isolation layer on a portion of the panels 104 and 106. The C-shaped members are arranged inversely to one another and frame the inner periphery of the opening 151 in the base layer 150. While C-shaped portions of material 152 are illustrated, the particular shape of the materials are by no means required.

By virtue of the material 152 the case 100 may, for example, be placed within another bag such as a briefcase or portfolio while providing some mechanical isolation of the electronic device 102 from impact when the device 102 is contained in the case 100, or may provide mechanical isolation and shock protection when the case is set upon a hard surface, such as a counter, desk or tabletop, by a user. Aside from shock absorbent properties, the material 152 may be selected to have elastic properties as well, and the properties of the materials 152 may be substantially equal to those of the base layer 150. In another embodiment, the material 152 may have different elastic properties as the base layer 150 but because the portions of material 152 are spaced apart from one another with at least a strip of the base layer material 150 extending therebetween, the panels 104 and 106 retain a degree of elasticity via the base layer 150 that may stretch at a location between the materials 152.

In the illustrated embodiment, the panels 104 and 106 each include a central portion provided with a mesh material 154 that extends between and across the interior portions of the C-shaped shock-absorbent materials 152. The mesh material 154 in the central portion, like the elastic base layer 150 also has elastic properties that allow it to expand in the width and height dimensions, for example. Unlike the base layer 150 that is of a generally closed and solid construction, the mesh material 154 is provided with a generally open construction having a number of ventilation openings 156 that expose the front and rear surfaces 122 and 124 (FIG. 1) of the case 100 to ambient air. The ventilation openings 156 allow the device 102 to breathe when placed within the case 100, and allow heat to be readily dissipated from the device 102 to cool the device, as opposed to conventional case constructions wherein heat tends to be trapped within the case.

The mesh material 154 may be stitched or sewn, for example, to the base layer 150 and/or the shock-absorbent materials 152, or may be otherwise attached or coupled to the base layer 150 and the material 152 using techniques known in the art, including but not limited to lamination techniques known in the art. A variety of mesh materials or net materials are known that are suitable for the panels 104 and 106, any of which may be selected to achieve specific elasticity objectives and to provide sufficient heat dissipation and breathability for the electronic device.

Various adaptations of the case 100 are believed to be within the purview of those in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. For example, the shock absorbent materials 152 may be omitted in alternative embodiments, and as another example one or more ventilation openings could be formed in the base layer 150 without the use of the mesh material 154. Instead of constructing the panels 104 and 106 from multiple and different materials as described, the panels 104 and 106 may be formed from a single material if desired in one or more layers to accomplish similar effects. Varying degrees of stiffness may be provided in the panels of the case 100 depending on the actual materials used, while still exhibiting elastic behavior to accommodate different electronic devices 102.

Additionally, the shock-absorbent material 152 and the mesh material 154 in another embodiment may be provided in one or the other, but not both of the front and rear panels 104 and 106. The front and rear panels 104 and 106, for example, need not be fabricated from the same materials and need not have the same elastic properties in some embodiments of the invention to achieve at least some of the benefits of the invention. Different materials may be selectively used to vary the elastic behavior of the case in the width, depth, and height dimensions, and the elasticity of the case in the width dimension, for example, may be greater than the elasticity in the depth dimension, with the elasticity of the height dimension being different from each of the width and depth dimensions. That is, the case 100 may be constructed to conform or stretch more easily to fit one dimension of the electronic device, such as the width dimension, than another dimension of the device, such as the depth dimension in one example.

FIG. 4 is a front elevational view of the case 100 when expanded around the electronic device 102. The elastic panels of the case 100 are stretchable and expandable around the device 102 as it inserted therein, and the panels of the case 100 naturally contract around the surfaces of the device 102 to snugly and securely engage the device 102. The case 100 has expanded in dimensions from the comparatively smaller dimensions W_(C), H_(C), and D_(C) to the comparatively larger dimensions W_(e), H_(e), and D_(e) of the device 102. The case 100 generally surrounds the device 102 and provides a protective enclosure around the device 100.

The case 100 can be easily carried in one hand, tucked under an arm or placed in a brief case, portfolio, a backpack or another bag without taking up an undue amount of space. That is, the compact carrying case 100 may be manually carried as a stand alone case, or placed within another piece of baggage such as a brief case, a portfolio, or another baggage item. When the case 100 is used within another piece of baggage, the other piece of baggage may be fabricated from rigid or semi-rigid materials and which may be provided with padding layers, cushioning members, and the like to provide additional protection to an electronic device. U.S. Pat. No. 6,691,843 that is commonly owned with the present application, discloses one cushioning system for a case-within-a-case combination that may be effectively used with the inventive carrying cases described herein.

Additionally, one or more pockets for accessories and the like to be used with an electronic device may be integrated into the construction of the case 100, and carrying handles, shoulder straps, harnesses, and the like may be provided for the user's convenience in transporting the case. Clips, belts, buckles, straps, and other connecting structure may be provided to connect or couple the case 100 to another baggage item. Zippers and other closure mechanisms may be provided in the case 100 if desired. Various colors, graphics and indicia may be provided on one or more panels of the case to differentiate devices and items of various manufacturers from one another, or as a means to personalize the carrying case for a consumer or purchaser. Still other adaptations are possible.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate exemplary adaptations of the case 100 for different devices and items. For instance, FIG. 5 illustrates a universal carrying case 200 for a relatively smaller electronic device 202 that in the illustrated example may be a personal digital assistance (PDA) device. Like the carrying case 100, the case 200 may be provided in the form of an elastic pouch or sleeve that may include front and rear panels 204 and 206, side panels 208 and 210 interconnecting the front and rear panels, a bottom panel 212, and a closure element in the form of a strap 214 to secure and retain the device 202 within the case 200. The strap 214 is foldable over one end of an opening or compartment 216 that receives the device 202.

Also like the case 100, and as shown in FIG. 5, one or more of the panels 204, 206, 208, and 210 may be fabricated from elastic materials that stretch to accommodate and conform to the external shape and dimensions of the device 202 in a manner similar to that described above. The panels 204, 206, 208, 210 and 212 may include, as described above, base materials, cutout regions, shock absorbent materials, mesh materials and ventilation openings to facilitate heat dissipation from the device 202 and allow the device 202 to breathe within the case 200. The case 200 is similar in all aspects to the case 100 described above except in its external shape, dimension and profile along the height, width and depth dimensions that are selected to accommodate different PDA devices 202 having different external dimensions. As described above in relation to the case 100, the case 200 may be dimensioned initially to be smaller than the external dimensions of the device 202, with one or more of the panels stretching around the device 202 to accommodate various sizes of PDA devices in a single case 200. A more universal carrying case for a range of different PDA devices from various manufacturers is therefore provided.

FIG. 6 illustrates a third embodiment of a universal carrying case 300 for yet another type of electronic device 302 such as for instance, a personal digital video disk (DVD) player. Like the carrying cases 100 and 200, the case 300 may be provided as an elastic pouch or sleeve including front and rear panels 304 and 306, side panels 308 and 310 interconnecting the front and rear panels, a bottom panel 312, and a closure element in the form of a strap 314 to secure and retain the device 302 within the case 300. The strap 314 is foldable over one end of an opening or compartment 316 that receives the device 302.

Also like the cases 100 and 200, and as shown in FIG. 6, one or more of the panels 304, 306, 308, 310 and 312 may be fabricated from elastic materials that stretch to accommodate and conform to the external shape and dimensions of the device 302 in a manner similar to that described above. The panels 304, 306, 308, and 310 may include, as described above, base materials, cutout regions, shock absorbent materials, mesh materials and ventilation openings to facilitate heat dissipation from the device 302 and allow the device 302 to breathe within the case 300. The case 300 is similar in all aspects to the case 100 described above except in its external shape, dimension and profile along the height, width and depth dimensions that are selected to accommodate different DVD player devices 302 having different external dimensions. As described above in relation to the case 100, the case 300 may be dimensioned initially to be smaller than the external dimensions of the device 302, with one or more of the panels stretching around the device 302 to accommodate various sizes of different DVD player devices in a single case 200. A more universal carrying case for a range of DVD player devices from different manufacturers is therefore provided.

FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a universal carrying case in the form or an elastic pouch or sleeve 400 for an item that is not an electronic device, such as the beverage bottle 402 shown in FIG. 7 having a comparatively rigid or inelastic body. Like the foregoing embodiments, the sleeve 400 may include a bottom panel 403 and one or more side panels 404 fabricated from an elastic material or materials that stretch to accommodate the external dimensions of the item 402 in a manner similar to that described above. Unlike the cases 100, 200 and 300 described above that are generally rectangular, the sleeve 400 is generally cylindrical in shape. The cylindrical shape of the sleeve 400 may be achieved, for example, with a single side panel 404 sewn together, for example, at its side edges, or with multiple panels 404 coupled to one another.

The panel or panels 404 may include, as shown in FIG. 7, a base material 406 having a cutout region 408, shock absorbent padding materials 410 provided on the base material, and a mesh material 412 defining a number of ventilation openings. The case 400 is constructed to stretch and conform to the external shape, dimension and profile along the height, width and depth dimensions of the item 402. The case 400 may be dimensioned initially to be smaller than the external dimensions of the item 402, with one or more of the panels 404 stretching around the item 402 to accommodate various sizes of beverage bottles, for example. The sleeve 400 may generally surround at least a lower portion of the item 402 wherein a user may grasp and hold the item 402. A more universal sleeve for a range of differently sized beverage bottles, cans, cups, glasses and containers is therefore provided.

While exemplary devices and items have been described in connection with various exemplary embodiments of the invention, it is understood that the devices and items disclosed herein are exemplary only, and that embodiments of carrying cases and sleeves may be adapted for other devices and items without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Still, further, embodiments of carrying cases may be provided for devices and items that are not hand held or portable devices. For example, elastic cases as described may be provided on a larger scale and may be used, for example, when moving large screen televisions, flat panel displays, and computer equipment from one place to another. The elastic panels of the cases may fit a range of televisions, displays, and computer equipment that vary in dimension from one another, for example, and the ventilation openings that allow the items to breathe when in the cases may be beneficial to the transport of such devices in the back of a moving truck, for example. Additionally, the shock absorbent padding may provide necessary protection, and even may provide for stackability of certain items upon one another in a truck or other vehicle without damaging the devices.

The cases of the invention may also be beneficial for retailers and distributors as electronic products and items are moved about a facility. The cases may be provided and installed at a manufacturer's facility if desired, and may be removed and reused by other parties as desired. Benefits are therefore provided at the manufacturer level, the distributor level, the retailer level, and the consumer level.

Using the embodiments of cases 100, 200, 300 and 400, a method 500 for transporting an item an item having an external size is illustrated in FIG. 8. The method of transporting an item includes providing 502 an elastic travel sleeve defining a compartment having an initial size smaller than the external size, and the sleeve including at least one ventilation opening. The sleeve may be stretched 504 over the item, thereby conforming the sleeve to the external surface dimensions of the item. The sleeve may then be secured 506 to the item with a closure element such as the straps described above. After the sleeve is secure 506, the item may be transported 508 to another destination within the sleeve.

The sleeve may be provided 502 at the manufacturer lever, the distributor level, the retailer level, or the end user or consumer level in various embodiments of the method 500. More than one sleeve may be provided 502 if desired to transport more than one item at the same time. For example, an inventory of sleeves of different sizes and shapes may be provided and used, for example, by moving companies to transport a host of household electronic items of different types and sizes, whether hand-held or not, in a moving truck. Manufacturers, distributors and retails may use the sleeves similarly. As another example, the owner of multiple hand-held devices may possess a first sleeve to transport a notebook computer, a second sleeve to transport a PDA device, and a third sleeve to transport a digital camera, with each of the sleeves being capable of accommodating a range of respective devices of different sizes. As still another example, a host or hostess may possess a number of sleeves similar to the sleeve 400 of the same or different initial sizes for accommodating various sizes and dimensions of beverage bottles, beverage cans, cups, glasses and other containers for use by guests at a party.

Transporting 508 the item may include, for example, in different embodiments, a user carrying the sleeve by hand or under an arm, carriage of the sleeve by a person with a carrying handle or strap, transporting of the sleeve containing the item in another container such as a moving or shipping box, moving the sleeve within a general purpose bag carried by a person, transporting the sleeve in wheeled towable baggage, fastening of the sleeve to another bag that is carried by a person, moving one or more of the sleeves on a wheeled cart, or carriage of the sleeves in a truck, boat, vehicle or aircraft.

When item arrives at its destination in the sleeve, the sleeve may be unsecured 510 by opening or releasing the closure element, and the sleeve may be removed 512 by sliding the sleeve back over the item. When the sleeve is removed from the item, it resiliently returns to its original size and is ready for reuse with the same item or another item of different size or external dimension. The item is available for use 514 after the sleeve is removed.

The benefits of the invention are now believed to be amply demonstrated by the exemplary embodiments disclosed.

While the invention has been described in terms of various specific embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the claims. 

1. A carrying case for a electronic device, the case comprising: a body defining a compartment to receive the electronic device, wherein the body is fabricated from an elastic material that may be stretched around the electronic device to snugly contain the electronic device.
 2. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the body is fabricated from multiple and different elastic materials.
 3. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the body comprises spaced apart front and rear panels, one of the front and rear panels being formed with a ventilation opening.
 4. The carrying case of claim 1, wherein the body comprises spaced apart front and rear panels, at least a portion of one of the front and rear panels comprising a mesh material.
 5. The carrying case of claim 4, wherein the mesh material comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.
 6. A carrying case for a portable electronic device, the case comprising: a body defining a compartment of variable volume to receive the electronic device, wherein the volume of the compartment is self conforming to the volume required by the electronic device.
 7. The carrying case of claim 6, wherein the body comprises spaced apart front and rear panels, at least one of the front and rear panels being elastic in a first direction parallel to a first axis of the electronic device.
 8. The carrying case of claim 7, wherein at least one of the front and rear panels is elastic in a second direction that is substantially perpendicular to the first direction.
 9. The carrying case of claim 6, wherein the body comprises spaced apart front and rear panels, one of the front and rear panels being formed with a ventilation opening.
 10. The carrying case of claim 6, wherein the body comprises spaced apart front and rear panels, at least a portion of one of the front and rear panels comprising a mesh material.
 11. The carrying case of claim 6, wherein the mesh material comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.
 12. A carrying case for a portable electronic device, the case comprising: an elastic body comprising a first panel and a second panel spaced from one another, the body having a first axis and a first dimension corresponding to the first axis, and the body having a second axis and a second dimension corresponding to the second axis; wherein the body is stretchable over an electronic device having dimensions larger than the first dimension and the second dimension.
 13. The carrying case of claim 12, wherein the first and second panel are fabricated from an elastic fabric material.
 14. The carrying case of claim 12, wherein one of the front and rear panels includes a ventilation opening.
 15. The carrying case of claim 12, wherein at least a portion of one of the first and second materials comprises a mesh material.
 16. The carrying case of claim 15, wherein the mesh material comprises a plurality of ventilation openings.
 17. The carrying case of claim 12, wherein at least one of the panels comprises a first material and a second material, the first material defining a central opening and the second material occupying the opening.
 18. The carrying case of claim 12 wherein the body comprises a protective sleeve for a laptop computer.
 19. The carrying case of claim 1 wherein the body comprises a protective sleeve for a laptop computer.
 20. The carrying case of claim 6 wherein the body comprises a protective sleeve for a laptop computer.
 21. A carrying case comprising: an elastic body configured to stretch around and conform to an external surface of an item; wherein the body comprises an elastic material and a mesh material defining ventilation openings; and wherein the body entirely surrounds a portion of the item.
 22. The case of claim 21, wherein the body includes a shock absorbent padding.
 23. The case of claim 21, wherein the body comprises a base material, the base material defining a cutout region, the mesh material extending across the cutout region.
 24. The case of claim 21, wherein the item comprises an electronic device.
 25. The case of claim 21, wherein the item comprises a beverage container.
 26. The case of claim 21, wherein the body is fabricated from multiple and different elastic materials.
 27. A method of transporting an item having an external size, the method comprising: providing an elastic travel sleeve defining a compartment having an initial size smaller than the external size, the sleeve including at least one ventilation opening; stretching the travel sleeve over the item, thereby conforming the sleeve to the external surface dimensions of the item; and transporting the item within the sleeve.
 28. The method of claim 27 wherein the product comprises an electronic device.
 29. The method of claim 27, wherein the sleeve is provided with shock absorbent padding.
 30. The method of claim 27, wherein the sleeve comprises a mesh material, the mesh material defining the ventilation opening.
 31. The method of claim 27, further comprising securing the sleeve over the item.
 32. The method of claim 27, further comprising removing the sleeve from the item, allowing the elastic sleeve to return to the initial size. 